HONG KONG (SE): To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the diocese, the Hong Kong Federation of Catholic Students held a forum on April 11 at the auditorium of the Catholic Diocese Centre, focusing on the mission of young people and university pastoral work. Under central guiding question of the resurrected Jesus to his disciples “What are you looking for?”, speakers were invited to talk about the direction of pastoral care in the university campus in the context of identity and faith formation.
The forum was hosted by Father Martin Ip Po-lam, spiritual advisor of the federation, and included representatives from various universities’ Catholic societies, alongside Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, vicars general, Father Paul Kam Po-wai and Father Joseph Chan Wing-chiu.
The event began with a presentation by Deacon Thomas Lam Chiu-Wan, an associate professor of social sciences at Saint Francis University. He highlighted that a core issue for the decline in young believers is their unclear sense of identity amid cultural challenges, weakening community bonds. “The Church operates as a significant subculture in society, emphasising love, faith, and obedience to God’s commandments, differing from the increasingly predominant liberal and individualistic culture in Hong Kong,” he explained.
Deacon Lam stressed the need for a clear explanation of the Church’s values, equipping young people with knowledge and insights to confidently respond to faith challenges, rather than hurriedly seeking outward expansion.
Challenges in university pastoral work
Alfred Wan, former president of the federation, shared insights on its evolution since Jesuit Father James Hurley founded it in 1962. Initially a socially active student group, it has developed into a faith-focused community with affiliated groups in six universities, empowering students to autonomously introduce various activities. Annual events include a Passover meal, monthly cell group gatherings, a winter pilgrimage, and Stations of the Cross.
Wan identified several challenges faced by the federation, including a shortage of manpower, strict administrative requirements from universities, short officer terms, low prioritisation of religious activities, and limited resources affecting morale. To address the manpower issue, the federation has started recruiting foreign students who demonstrate a commitment to support its activities. For example, the current president of the Catholic Society at the University of Hong Kong is Indian.
Kyle Lee, president of the Catholic Society at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, shared that two of the seven current core members are Indonesians with strong poster design skills. Local members are comfortable discussing issues in both English and Cantonese, providing translations for Chinese Masses.u
Rehman Samaira Operio from the Education University reported that their Catholic students’ association has ceased operations due to recruitment challenges and a lack of willing leaders. To avoid dissolution, core members are working with the student affairs office to maintain the society’s registration.
Former core members Jacky Liu and Porson Chan reflected on a two-day homeless experience they participated in during their university years. By spending a night on the street and collecting cardboard, they gained a deeper understanding of low-income realities and social isolation, fostering empathy. They also noted that social media nowadays has made encouraging attendance at physical gatherings difficult.
They emphasised that revitalising the federation relies on igniting passion rather than just increasing participation. Suggestions included strengthening the federation’s supportive role amid academic pressures and promoting overseas exchange programs that enrich students’ perspectives on local and universal issues.
Embracing change and opportunities
Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., expressed gratitude for the opportunity to listen to young people and emphasised the importance of adapting while preserving Catholic identity in the universal Church. “Let’s discern and move forward together. We do not have to hold on tightly to the past,” he stated. He urged creativity in tackling contemporary challenges and openness to new influences, particularly in enhancing pastoral services in English and Putonghua for the growing number of non-Cantonese speaking students.
He also reminded attendees to consider social concerns beyond just the homeless, by, for example, trying to look at the situations of refugees.
Cardinal Stephen motivated young people and youth pastoral workers to seize current opportunities, stating, “God has given us opportunities in the moment, and we should use this time to accompany our young people and grow with them.” He reassured them that the Holy Spirit will guide their efforts.
Father Ip reinforced the idea that despite social challenges, committed young individuals are eager to engage with their faith. He acknowledged the heightened pressures university students face, which influence their priorities. Describing the federation as a platform for student growth and faith-based social engagement, he highlighted the importance of accompanying young people through their journeys.
The event concluded with the cardinal’s blessing for the youth community and encouragement to continue serving with love and courage.
